You could be eligible for £140 discount on your winter energy bill, thanks to a government scheme.

The Warm Home Discount Scheme was first set up in 2011, and aims to help pensioners and those on a low income, pay their gas or electricity bill.

The money will not be paid directly to you, instead it will be taken off your winter energy bill at the end of March 2019.

Find out how the scheme works and if you are eligible.

Am I eligible?

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There are two ways to qualify for the Warm Home Discount Scheme:

you get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit - this is categorised as the ‘core group’

you’re on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme - known as the ‘broader group’

It's important to note that the Warm Home Discount Scheme is separate to the Winter Fuel Scheme - eligible to those born before November 5, 1953 - and the Cold Weather Payment, a payment available to people on certain benefits and living in an area with a recorded temperature, or forecast of, zero degrees Celsius or below for seven days consecutively.

How can I apply for it?

If you are eligible for the scheme you will receive a letter from your energy supplier, by December 7, 2018, telling you how to get the discount.

The letter will also tell you if you need to call a helpline to confirm your details, this will need to be done by February 28, 2019.

Your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill by the end of March 2019.

If you think you are eligible for the 'core group' and have not received a letter you can contact the Warm Home Discount Team on 0800 731 0214, Monday to Friday from 8.30am until 4.30pm.

What if I have a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go meter?

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If your home has a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go electricity meter, you can still qualify for the discount.

Your electricity supplier can tell you how you’ll get the discount, for example a voucher may be issued to you which you can then use to top up your meter.